World Showcase
was originally conceived of as the centerpiece
to Epcot. It was to be positioned at the
entrance of the park, with Future World to
the rear. The design of World Showcase was
very different in the beginning. The original
plan was to have two rings of pavilions (a
total of 30) joined together like a figure-8.
Each pavilion would
play host to a country, with every facade
being equal in size. Guests would enter each
pavilion to experience the exhibits, shops
and other attractions the pavilion had to
offer (all of the pavilions' offerings were
inside).

However, due to a lack of sponsorship from
many of the countries invited to participate,
World Showcase (and Epcot as a whole) was
reconceptualized. Future World now played
the prominent role, and World Showcase was
designed around a large lagoon at the rear
of the park. Adjacent and equally sized pavilions
gave way to separate and distinct areas where
the architecture and beauty of each country
could
be put on
full display.

Updates:

Morocco joined World Showcase in 1984,
while Norway was added in
1988.

The Millennium Village was added for the
Millennium Celebration between Canada and
the United Kingdom. This large pavilion
played host to a number of countries with
a variety of exhibits—everything
from shops and information kiosks to interactive
pavilions and shows. Perhaps the most impressive
pavilion was hosted by Israel, where guests
entered a moving theater taking them
on a journey through Israel's history.

The Village closed at the conclusion of
the Millennium Celebration, but the building
itself is still used for special events.